Driving To WDW from Philly Area... Any Travle Suggestions?

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Sammy5150

Sammy5150

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Wall-e said:
We've been doing the drive a long time coming from Camden county. My advice would be to maintain a good average speed (if you tend to obey the speed limit and hit traffic its hard to make up time) and realize that every 15 minutes spent gassing up or eating can cost you an hour or more depending on how many times you fill up. I've got it to where, if I average 75mph all the way, I can get there in under 15 hours. However for the first time I'm traveling with our 1yo son this August so I'm factoring a significant time more into our plan to the tune of about 17 hours.
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Oh! Have fun with the son on the trip. And real fun with him at the parks.

I'd love to be able to keep that 75 mph average throughout the night hours for sure.

Thanks and have Fun!
 
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mhaftman7

mhaftman7

Well-Known Member
We are leaving 8/17 for a 8/19 arrival at WDW. We are leaving from Burlington County around 3 pm. We plan on driving thru to Orlando and getting up early Mon morning fully refreshed. I plan to sleep most of the day and drive the midnight plus hours, or whenever the DW gets tired. Most likely, I'll take over after dinner. At that point, I'll probably plug into MLB@Bat so I can listen to the Phillies. Then I'll probably switch over to I heart radio.

As far as the kids go. DSs charged and packed. Kindles charged and packed. I try to do "flow of traffic" speeds, which average between 75-90. Pack as many snacks and drinks as possible, some rest areas seam to be no where in sight when you need a quick pick up.
 
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wdisneyw2000

wdisneyw2000

Active Member
mhaftman7 said:
We are leaving 8/17 for a 8/19 arrival at WDW. We are leaving from Burlington County around 3 pm. We plan on driving thru to Orlando and getting up early Mon morning fully refreshed. I plan to sleep most of the day and drive the midnight plus hours, or whenever the DW gets tired. Most likely, I'll take over after dinner. At that point, I'll probably plug into MLB@Bat so I can listen to the Phillies. Then I'll probably switch over to I heart radio.

As far as the kids go. DSs charged and packed. Kindles charged and packed. I try to do "flow of traffic" speeds, which average between 75-90. Pack as many snacks and drinks as possible, some rest areas seam to be no where in sight when you need a quick pick up.
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check the i95 web site & youll know what MM the rest areas are at. I have them listed for my trip & they help
 
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J

jim1051

Active Member
I have made the drive 17 times over the years. We used to stop after about 600 mile(of the 1000). We have settled on this routine. Leave Chadds Ford around 3 AM to get past DC before all the burecrats wake up. Stop for nice breakfast around Ashland or Richmond VA. After that we stop only for fuel, bodily functions and fast food lunch. It usually takes us around 16 hours total. Last May we hit everything right and arrived in 14.5 hours. We check in at our DVC resort and have a late dinner.

Return drive is alittle tougher because we don't leave until 7 or 8 AM. It's tougher because worst part of drive, DC and Baltimore happens after dark and when driver (me) is tiring.
 
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Sammy5150

Sammy5150

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
jim1051 said:
I have made the drive 17 times over the years. We used to stop after about 600 mile(of the 1000). We have settled on this routine. Leave Chadds Ford around 3 AM to get past DC before all the burecrats wake up. Stop for nice breakfast around Ashland or Richmond VA. After that we stop only for fuel, bodily functions and fast food lunch. It usually takes us around 16 hours total. Last May we hit everything right and arrived in 14.5 hours. We check in at our DVC resort and have a late dinner.

Return drive is alittle tougher because we don't leave until 7 or 8 AM. It's tougher because worst part of drive, DC and Baltimore happens after dark and when driver (me) is tiring.
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Very similar to my plan. I just don't even want to think about doing the drive home all in one shot. We are looking to stop in Virginia on the way home. Now you have me excited to hit the 14.5 hour mark.... I'll be happy with 16.5 but expect to be done in 15.5.
 
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AngryEyes

AngryEyes

Well-Known Member
Wow, was that a long drive. I did the whole thing from Williamsport in 18.5, not counting the stop at Waffle House for breakfast this morning. Traffic was worse than I expected in the evening up until around 9 or so. Big slowdowns around DC and in Richmond, the interstate went down to one lane and it was tough getting through there. Aside from that, it was pretty much smooth sailing.

Let me tell you, we left around 2:30 PM and once it gets to be about 2AM, I stopped constantly to give myself a 2nd wind (and a 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc.) Not a bad drive, though. Just long. If I hadn't stopped so often for 10-15 minute walks, it could easily be done in 16.5.
 
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Sammy5150

Sammy5150

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
AngryEyes said:
Wow, was that a long drive. I did the whole thing from Williamsport in 18.5, not counting the stop at Waffle House for breakfast this morning. Traffic was worse than I expected in the evening up until around 9 or so. Big slowdowns around DC and in Richmond, the interstate went down to one lane and it was tough getting through there. Aside from that, it was pretty much smooth sailing.

Let me tell you, we left around 2:30 PM and once it gets to be about 2AM, I stopped constantly to give myself a 2nd wind (and a 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc.) Not a bad drive, though. Just long. If I hadn't stopped so often for 10-15 minute walks, it could easily be done in 16.5.
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Glad to hear you made it safe! Thanks for the report too. I have a feeling the DC area will be the slow down point for us too. Have a great time now that you are there.

Keep in touch.

Ed
 
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